Live from APTA CSM in Anaheim, Jimmy talks with Dr. Jenn Bell about redefining professionalism in physical therapy.
They discuss:
• Where traditional professional norms came from
• Who those norms disproportionately impact
• Why authenticity affects burnout
• Why recruitment without belonging fails
• The shift from diversity → equity → inclusion → belonging
• What PTs must let go of to evolve
If your clinic wants to recruit and retain strong clinicians, this conversation matters.
Key Takeaways
• Professionalism has historically centered a narrow identity standard.
• Underrepresented clinicians carry extra cognitive load when asked to “code switch.”
• Burnout is worsened when clinicians can’t show up authentically.
• Recruiting diversity without creating belonging is performative.
• PT leaders must examine their own biases and expectations.
